By looks, perhaps we should also look to more than the physical manifestation... but also how the psyche manifests.
Is it important that the dominant have a presence? Bearing? Exude power when you look at him or her?
Of course, I believe it must be so. There must be some of this and it must be perceptible and a large component is in what you observe/see.
If you take everything into account... Yes, looks matter.